The #1 choice since 1995 * Productive, reliable, comprehensive

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1 The #1 choice since 1995 * Productive, reliable, comprehensive TDS didn t make Survey Pro the #1 surveying software.* Surveyors did. And here s why: Survey Pro gives you a complete set of capabilities for all your survey projects. It s fast, easy to use and reliable, so you can work more productively in the field. And because so many survey professionals already use Survey Pro, any surveyors you hire probably already know how to use it. What s more, Survey Pro works with total stations from every major manufacturer, and most major brands of GPS receivers, too. When you choose Survey Pro, you get software built on more than 15 years of experience. You also get software that s continually enhanced thanks to input from surveyors in the field. Many of our people including members of the Survey Pro development team have worked as surveyors. So we understand how a small change to an existing function can help you be more productive or make your job easier. That s why and how we continuously improve Survey Pro, along with all our hardware and software. And the best way to use Survey Pro is on a TDS handheld data collector. That s because our TDS Recon and Ranger were both developed from the ground up to work with Survey Pro. The Recon and Ranger run Survey Pro functions and routines quickly, making it easy to use all of the software s capabilities. TM TRIPOD DATA SYSTEMS A T R I M B L E C O M P A N Y *According to Business News Publishing Company s Surveying and Mapping Industry Studies, , TDS has held a U.S. market share of more than 50 percent for data collector software. Total includes TDS sales and TDS software sold by dealers and TDS partner companies since Data Collection GPS/GIS Office Software Construction

2 Enhanced capabilities boost productivity. With Instrument Manager, you can pre-configure settings for your total stations, GPS receivers, levels and other instruments. Activate the instrument you want to use, and Survey Pro is ready to communicate with it. Basemaps let you import a drawing or image such as an aerial photo of the survey site. This provides an additional reference that makes it easier to stake points or identify landmarks. With Survey Pro Robotics you get fine-turning capability, with a unique graphical interface that lets you turn your total station remotely and precisely. Quick Pick lists let you create shortcuts for the functions and routines you use most. TDS continually improves Survey Pro with capabilities that make your job easier, help you work more productively and get the job done right. These enhanced capabilities include: Instrument Manager Pre-configured settings allow you to communicate automatically with different instruments Survey Pro s Instrument Manager makes it easy to pre-configure settings for total stations, GPS receivers, levels and other instruments. After initially entering your settings, simply choose your instrument, and Survey Pro is ready to work with it. And once settings are entered it s easy to switch back and forth between instruments. You can also copy your instrument profile to other data collectors so your crews arrive on-site ready to go. Basemaps Reference maps help you identify staking points Basemaps let you use a drawing or graphic as a reference background for a map, making it easier to identify landmarks and staking points. You can import basemaps in both GeoTIFF and DXF file formats. Quick Pick list Create shortcuts for common routines Use Survey Pro on a Recon or Ranger and you can create a Quick Pick list with shortcuts for the functions and routines you use most. Slope staking Simplify slope staking on construction sites Survey Pro simplifies procedures for slope staking. All you have to do is select a point, define a direction to use for the slope to extend, and define the desired slope to stake. Survey Pro displays all shots on a vertical map so you can see the profile. It works just like alignment slope staking, without the complexity of having to use an alignment. GPS Start Survey Wizard Make GPS connections easier The Start Survey Wizard on Survey Pro GPS takes you through a streamlined GPS setup procedure. It s intuitive, and it helps ensure reliable GPS connections. You can start an RTK receiver and configure post-processing data collection in one step. You can also store RTK raw data and postprocessing raw data simultaneously. You can also bypass the Wizard if you want to continue making your GPS connections the way you re used to. Turn-to routines Fast, accurate remote aiming Survey Pro Robotics makes it easy to aim your robotic total station remotely. Simply tap on a location from the standard map display on your Recon or Ranger to aim the total station and re-acquire a lock on the prism. Survey Pro also includes a fine-turning routine with a unique graphical interface that lets you make even precise turns remotely. LandXML functions Import and export points, lines and more Survey Pro allows you to work with LandXML files on your data collector, eliminating repetitive or manual data input. You can import and export points, alignments, polylines and parcels. Survey Pro imports alignments as alignments or polylines; it imports parcels as polylines that you can place on a dedicated layer for parcels.

3 All the tools you need to do the job right. Survey Pro gives you comprehensive tools to collect, work with and organize your survey data. Use it for traverse, sideshot, coordinate geometry, staking and adjustment routines. Edit all point properties in the field, including attributes and geodetic information. Whatever type of surveying you do, you can do it with Survey Pro. You can also call on top-ranked ** TDS technical support, in the field or at the office. In most cases you ll be back to work within five minutes. And TDS tech support is always free; no by-the-hour charges or support contracts. Plus, you can pick up tips from other surveyors through the TDS message board at Survey Pro s full spectrum of data collection tools includes: Leveling: Survey Pro works with most types of digital levels, recording level loop data so you can eliminate repetitive or manual data input. Mechanical: Survey Pro also works with mechanical total stations, immediately reducing measured data to point, which makes it easier to use COGO routines, analyze data and check results. And your data is safely stored in your Recon or Ranger data collector. Robotics: Survey Pro Robotics reliably controls robotic total stations with an easy-to-use interface that allows you to focus on the job at hand. Intuitive and useful search tools, active maps, automatic repetition and much more make Survey Pro the obvious robotic data collection choice. GPS: With Survey Pro GPS, you can use your digital cell phone in place of a radio link for GPS communications. You can save time by starting an RTK receiver and configuring post-processing data collection in one step, as well as by storing data simultaneously. Reflectorless: Survey Pro functions improve accuracy on hard-to-reach corners when using a reflectorless total station. Attribute collection: You can define features like utility pole and water line on your PC, then transfer attributes to your data collector. Survey Pro prompts you to choose features as you survey, saving time in the field. It keeps getting better Today s Survey Pro is better than ever, with new features and function enhancements to make your work flow faster and easier. At the same time, TDS continues updating Survey Pro to ensure it supports all the latest instruments. And we actively seek feedback from surveyors like you. So go ahead give us a call or send an to tell us how we can make Survey Pro work even better for you. Survey Pro works with total stations from every major manufacturer and most major brands of GPS receivers. Use it with the TDS Ranger data collector (shown) for easy access to all of Survey Pro s features and capabilities. **In a 2002 survey by Business News Publishing, surveyors named Survey Pro the best data collection software in seven categories, including technical support.

4 Survey Pro Software Function Table Highlights Survey Standard Survey Pro Survey Pro Robotics Survey Pro GPS Survey Pro Max TITLE BAR/TASK BAR Toggle collection mode (total station/gps) Battery status indicator Map access button Editable quick picks FILE Import/export.JOB,.CR5,.TXT,.GPS, LandXML files Transfer - multiple modes JOB Edit points/polylines Edit alignments Auto linework (real time) View raw data View DTM Manage layers Calculator SURVEY (CONVENTIONAL MODE) Backsight setup Traverse/sideshot Repetition shots Multiple sideshots Distance/angle offset Corner & 2 lines Corner & angle Corner & offset Corner & plane Shoot from 2 ends Resection Remote elevation Check point Bluetooth support (Recon) Solar observation Remote control Fine turning Tap to turn STAKEOUT Cut/fill to design grade Generate cut sheet data Turn gun to stake with 2-D and 3-D modes Remote stake from rod Stake points/list of points Stake to line/polyline Offset staking Slope staking STAKEOUT, cont. Stake to line and offset Stake to curve and offset Stake to spiral and offset Stake DTM Define a location Where is next point Slope stake from a point INVERSE Multiple types COGO Point in direction Intersection Offset line/points Corner angle Compute area Triangle solutions Map check Predetermined area HD/VD to/from SD/ZA Station & offset CURVE Curve solution PI and tangents 3-point curve Radius point Tangent to circles Curve layout Traverse on a curve Parabolic curve/layout Straight grade Spiral/spiral layout Traverse on a spiral ROADS Create/edit templates (cross-sections) Create/edit alignments Save alignment to file Add super elevations to road Add widenings to road Road stakeout ADJUST Scale/translate/rotate Traverse adjust SETTINGS (CONVENTIONAL MODE) Instrument setup & communications Instrument Manager Units Feet/survey feet/meters Degrees/grads SETTINGS (CONVENTIONAL MODE), cont. Azimuth/bearing North/south azimuth Various unit format files Control/description files Feature code files Surveying Prompt for description Prompt for height of rod Prompt for layer Prompt for attributes Scale factor Stakeout Prompt for layer Prompt for attributes Repetition shot tolerances Auto time-stamp interval Alphanumeric point names Basemaps SURVEY (GPS MODE) Bluetooth support (Recon) Cell phone/radio modem coms GPS status Base/rover setup (Start Survey Wizard) Control points Collect point, features, offset Projection setup/stats Remote elevation SETTINGS (GPS MODE) Store GPS raw data Post process Recording interval Data collect with map projection & geoid files Data collect with local transformation Real-time coordinate generation Adjust coordinates to latest localization All stakeout functions with GPS receiver OPTIONAL LEVELING MODULE Digital levels Optical levels Turn to benchmark Turn to turning point Sideshot Stakeout Peg test Closure reports Level through existing points Please note: This chart is an abbreviated general guide to software functions. All specifications are subject to change without notice. SURVEY STANDARD is a complete data collection package for surveyors. It contains a complete COGO suite as well as traverse, sideshot and staking routines. SURVEY PRO shares all Survey Standard functions and adds advanced road layout routines, advanced staking routines, attribute collection, DTM routines and much more. SURVEY PRO GPS shares nearly all the Survey Pro functions, and it provides the capability to collect data from RTK GPS receivers at centimeter-level accuracy. TDS GPS software is easy to use, reduces training and simplifies setups. It provides meaningful error messages if anything goes wrong. All staking screens work with the GPS receiver. SURVEY PRO ROBOTICS shares all Survey Pro functions, works with all major brands of robotic total stations, and adds graphical staking screens. SURVEY PRO MAX is the ultimate field software. It integrates Survey Pro Robotics and Survey Pro GPS functions, enabling you to use the same job files with both GPS receivers and total stations. Your local TDS dealer TRIPOD DATA SYSTEMS A T R I M B L E C O M P A N Y 2004 Tripod Data Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Tripod Data Systems, the TDS triangles logo, the TDS icons, Recon, Ranger, Survey Pro, Survey Standard, Survey Pro GPS, Survey Pro Robotics and Survey Pro Max are trademarks of Tripod Data Systems. Other brand names and trademarks are property of their respective owners. Color display images shown may vary slightly from actual display. Specifications subject to change. P.O. Box 947, Corvallis, OR SANDA

5 HANDS ON Tripod Data Systems Survey Pro 4.0 James White, LS Survey Pro 4.0 is the latest data collector software release by Tripod Data Systems (TDS). The software is offered at several levels and this review was of Survey Pro Max 4.0 with the optional Leveling module, which is a full-featured version that supports conventional surveying, GPS, and leveling. Data collected in any one of the three modes is available for use in any of the other modes, allowing for the flexibility of using a combination of GPS, total station, and a level interchangeably to best suit your needs. to ensure quality control. There is also an option to load FGCS default tolerances for your level loop. The results are presented in the form of conventional level notes (Figure 3). Another new feature is the ability to put graphics basemap as the backdrop of the map screen. I experimented with both the DXF import and GeoTIFF options. Being able to load in the DXF of an AutoCAD file is convenient when you are returning to a job. Whether you use it to help find control, or as a graphical aid in stakeout, the old saying that a picture is worth a thousand words is true (Figure 4). The basemap only shows in the map screen though, not on any of the other graphical screens (Figure 5). A feature that would have been nice is Figure 1: One of the enhancements in Survey Pro 4.0 is the editable Quick Pick Menu. The software has a large selection of tools for COGO, alignments, traverse adjustment, and stakeout. As most of these features have evolved from previous releases, they are well integrated and very intuitive. The major new features in Survey Pro 4.0 are the support of graphic basemaps in the map display, and an optional full set of leveling tools. A review of all the features would be more fitting in the form of a book, so this column will look mostly at the new features. The GPS elements of this software are not explored in this review. One of the enhancements in Survey Pro 4.0 is the editable Quick Pick Menu (Figure 1). It allows for fast switching from one task to another. Items on the menu can be arranged in any order, Figure 2: The Quick Pick list can be customized to the preferences of each user. and ones that are not needed can be removed, so that the list can be customized to efficiently meet all of the user s needs (Figure 2). The leveling mode allows loops to be run in several manners. It supports digital levels and total stations used as trigonometric levels, but also has a manual mode where the rod readings can be entered from a conventional level, either as single or three wire observations. If multiple readings are taken, then the spread of the readings is displayed, allowing any bad values to be thrown out. If you are using an electronic instrument, tolerances can be set for the ratio of backsight distances to foresight distances, helping Figure 3: The new optional Leveling Module presents results in the form of conventional level notes. Figure 4: Being able to load in the DXF of an AutoCAD file is convenient when you are returning to an earlier job. the ability to create coordinates directly from the basemap by selecting the ends of the displayed linework, thus adding flexibility to the stakeout. The option to display a GeoTIFF is also a worthwhile tool, but does require that the image be georeferenced in meters. A GeoTIFF is a TIFF formatted image file with the georeferencing coordinates embedded in it. My first attempt was to load a 1-foot resolution orthophoto (available for most of New York State) and then import a job that was already on state plane coordinates on top of the image. The coordinates missed the photo by many miles. After some investigation I found it didn t work because the REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION PROFESSIONAL SURVEYOR MAGAZINE July ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

6 HANDS ON Figure 5: Graphical screens make operations, such as remote staking, simple and efficient. photo was georeferenced in feet. Presumably TDS will add an option in the future to allow for images that have been georeferenced in feet. I then loaded a 1-meter resolution orthophoto for the same site, but found that it was georeferenced in UTM. The GPS coordinate transformation routines in Survey Pro saved the day, allowing me to convert the state plane coordinates to UTM zone 18, and, I was up and surveying (Figure 6). The instrument manager of Survey Pro 4.0 is well-designed and easy to use (Figure 7). This routine allows you to switch between the three modes of data collection quickly. Each mode has a list of supported instruments that can be configured to meet your needs and preferences. I configured the conventional instrument settings for use with my Leica TCRA1105 connected through a pair of Pacific Crest radio modems, and was able to use all of the robotic features, operating remotely. This instrument profile can be saved for future use, and can be transferred for use in other collectors. A generic manual instrument option allows any instrument to be used and the results keyed in, so that older and non-compatible instruments can be used as well. If a wireless Bluetooth adapter is installed in the collector, then it can be used to connect to a Bluetoothenabled instrument. When I experimented with a Socket Bluetooth Compact Flash (CF) card though, the software did not recognize the newly created COM7 port, so a generic Bluetooth wireless serial cable replacement was not possible. (TDS Note: TDS currently only directly supports the Socket Bluetooth card in conjunction with select instruments that are Bluetooth-enabled.) Features such as the COGO tools appear to have a matured, consistent user interface. When a point number is needed there is a pull-down menu giving several options on how to select it. If you need to turn a set of repetition angles, there are different combinations of faces that can be used for as many sets as you wish. The program has enough options to be used in almost any scenario and they are implemented in such a way that the user can access just what is needed. I had not used TDS software for several years, my last exposure being on a HP48, but found the software easy to use, even before looking at the manuals. The manuals are well-written and wellillustrated. They are available as a book, on the desktop of your computer, or as help screens on the Recon. I was able to use most of the options, even advanced ones like performing a resection, staking and grading from a DTM, and coordinate transformations without needing to refer to the help screen. This review was conducted on a TDS Recon PocketPC. The unit came preinstalled with Survey Pro Max 4.0 and the optional Leveling module. It had a 400Mhz processor, 64 MB of RAM, and an internal 128MB Flash memory. It also had an additional pair of CF slots for further expansion. The Recon is a nice compact device, wellsuited for the software, and operated perfectly throughout this review. It does not have a keyboard, and since Survey Pro does use small buttons for many of its commands, the use of a stylus is necessary. It is unfortunate that the Recon does not have a stylus holder, but TDS offers an optional case that does include one. The only mishap with the Recon came as I was using it in Robotic mode in brush. The cable snagged on a branch and it unplugged from the DB9 connector. I thought I would remedy the situation by tightening the thumbscrews on the connector, but then the next time the cable snagged, it pulled off the battery pack, forcing the Recon to reset itself. No field data was lost, but because I had not saved the instrument profiles when I Figure 6: The GPS coordinate transformation routines in Survey Pro saved the day, allowing me to convert the state plane coordinates to UTM zone 18. Figure 7: The instrument manager of Survey Pro 4.0 is well-designed and easy to use. created them, I had to use the instrument manager to recreate the settings for my instrument. The price of a bundled package of software and the Recon varies depending upon configuration. The low end has a list price of $1,799 for a 200Mhz Recon with Survey Standard 4.0, up to a list price of $3,899 for a 400 Mhz Recon with Survey Pro Max 4.0. TDS recommends that you speak with your local TDS dealer for additional pricing information. Survey Pro Max 4.0 is a nice program that can handle just about any situation in the field. Although I have not used the earlier version on a PocketPC, it seems that the new Quick Pick menu will make it extremely efficient, allowing the user to hop around between frequently used functions. The Robotic controls operated well, and the combination of robotics and the trigonometric leveling routine will allow one-man crews to do more types of work. Its user interface is intuitive and consistent, making it easy to learn and operate the software. Jim White owns a private practice in Schenectady, New York that provides surveying and software development services. He is also the Software Reviewer for the magazine. survey@tdsway.com REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION PROFESSIONAL SURVEYOR MAGAZINE July ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

7 See the big picture ForeSight DXM (Data exchange Manager) gives you better ways to view, manage and analyze your survey data. You can easily transfer data from Survey Pro to your laptop or PC so you can use it to see your survey graphically. ForeSight DXM helps you manage project files, check data for accuracy and completeness, make simple edits and prepare data for your field survey or CAD development. Use it before and after your field survey ForeSight DXM helps you manage every stage of your project. Enter control data including geodetic information such as GPS control and localization points on your PC to graphically preview the job. Then transfer the project to your data collector and head out in the field to collect your data. You can easily access any of the files, views and tools in your project using ForeSight DXM s Project Navigator. Transfer the collected data back to your laptop or PC and use ForeSight DXM s project file to efficiently manage data from several days or different sources. Error-checking routines help ensure your survey data is accurate and complete. What s more, the graphical views allow you to actually see the data as it was laid out. Even if you re using an HP 48GX, ForeSight DXM can give you a map view of your project. In the office, you can use ForeSight DXM to make simple edits to your files and ensure that your field data is clear and understandable. Check your data with basic COGO tools and use the graphical raw data view with terrestrial or GPS data. You can also adjust data using translate, rotate or scale tools and even modify geodetic systems and localizations to readjust coordinates. ForeSight DXM gives you a graphical view of your raw data, making it easier to isolate any errors. Export points and lines to most CAD formats ForeSight DXM lets you export Survey Pro job files and points from your data collector to most popular CAD formats, with all the visible lines and points you created in the field. Plus that same picture can be sent to CAD with all the lines intact; you won t have to process even a single linework command. You ll save time and reduce the potential for errors. Integrated with the tools you use ForeSight DXM works with the surveying hardware and software tools you use at the office and in the field. You can import files from most data collectors. Import and export TDS job, coordinate and raw data files, plus TDS point lists, DXF, DC and text files. And since Tripod Data Systems has been paving the way for the new universal surveying file format, ForeSight DXM works with LandXML data files. From the #1 name in surveying software ForeSight DXM comes from the makers of Survey Pro, the #1 choice of professional surveyors since 1995,* so it works the way you do. Plus you can count on our top-notch support team. Free technical support comes automatically with every TDS product, to answer your toughest questions and get you back to work quickly. *Business News Publishing Company s Surveying and Mapping Industry Studies, Includes software sold by TDS and TDS partner companies. TM TRIPOD DATA SYSTEMS A T R I M B L E C O M P A N Y Data Collection GPS/GIS Office Software Construction

8 TDS ForeSight DXM Function Table Highlights FILE New project New job Open project Link data file TDS job (.JOB/.RAW) TDS points (.CR5/.RW5) Trimble (.DC) Link multiple job files to project Save project/job Save project as Import ASCII coordinates (.TXT, etc.) AutoCAD (.DXF) LandXML (.XML) Export TDS coordinates (.CR5) ASCII coordinates (.TXT,.ASC,.PTS) Trimble (.DC) AutoCAD (.DXF &.DWG) LandXML (.XML) Project properties Units for survey data Feet/U.S. feet/meters Units for angles Degrees/grads/gons Azimuth type North/south Number formats User information Print setup Print preview Print EDIT Edit objects Copy objects Delete objects Undo/redo Rename points 2-D to 3-D points Clear current selection Selection editor Save selection to Save multiple selections Load selection to Recall selection for use VIEW Toolbars Project navigator Dialog bar Clear dialog bar VIEW, cont. Point labels - toggle on/off Identify objects - toggle on/off Zoom, real-time zoom/pan Wheel mouse zoom/pan Full screen Redraw Erase scratch layer Plan view Shows points and lines in job file Pick points graphically when required Allows for insertion of new polylines Lines saved to the job file and project Coordinate view Job view Transfer log/clear transfer log COGO Inverse point to point Inverse mode - simple/sideshot/sequence/ multiple sideshots Area Closure report REPORTS Closure report Basic reports Coordinate Raw data Adjustment Translate/rotate/scale Projection Data management Transfer log Import/export Point renaming Cut sheet reports Offset stake Point stake Slope stake MAP Graphically select objects for editing Add points/edit point Coordinates Latitude/longitude/height Attributes Edit multiple points Add/edit polyline Add/edit alignments ADJUSTMENTS Translate/rotate/scale TOOLS Send/receive job to/from data collector HP 48, TDS DOS, Windows CE Create job for data collector HP 48, Husky (DOS), Ranger (Windows CE) Send/receive files Transfer settings ActiveSync Kermit Kermit server mode File conversion From and to multiple CAD and DC formats Feature code file editor Scientific RPN calculator Geodetic calculator Extract sub grid from geoid file PROJECT/JOB Project/job settings Manage layers Import/export point list (.PL5) Projection settings Manage data Job to project & project to job Manage geodetic information Import control points to job Reduce job raw data Archive job/project COORDINATE EDITOR/VIEWER Grid type editor Sort by any column Map view visible while editing (job view only) Shows extended point data Layer Latitude/longitude/height Attributes Select objects RAW DATA EDITOR Edit all raw data elements Regenerate coordinates Search Record type Data values Field type/value Graphical raw data view on map Entire survey Progressive by line One line at a time Note: Polylines, alignments and geodetic data are not supported in.cr5 files. Your local TDS dealer TRIPOD DATA SYSTEMS A T R I M B L E C O M P A N Y 2003 Tripod Data Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Tripod Data Systems, the TDS triangle logo, the TDS icons, ForeSight DXM and Survey Pro are trademarks of Tripod Data Systems. Other brand names and trademarks are property of their respective owners. Color display images shown may vary slightly from actual display. Specifications subject to change. P.O. Box 947, Corvallis, OR SANDA